Proflight Zambia, the nation’s flagship airline, has embarked on a pioneering partnership that’s set to redefine responsible tourism in Southern Africa. The airline is now serving Kasama Coffee, a locally sourced and sustainably produced brew, on select flights, with plans to extend this offering across its entire network. This collaboration isn’t merely about serving a better cup of coffee; it’s a testament to the power of aviation in fostering economic growth and promoting sustainable practices within local communities.
Kasama Coffee, grown at Kansato Farms in the remote Kasama region of Zambia, embodies a commitment to ethical farming and community empowerment. Founder Luke Powell has eschewed mechanization in favour of manual labour, creating jobs and ensuring that the benefits of the burgeoning coffee industry remain within the local community. “We make jobs to put food on plates,” Powell explains, highlighting the farm’s employment of over 50 full-time workers and hundreds more during harvest season.
Proflight Zambia’s Director of Flight Operations, Josias Walubita, emphasizes the airline’s commitment to showcasing the best of Zambia to the world. “Travellers want to know that their journey has a positive impact,” he states. “Kasama Coffee isn’t just any coffee – it’s a story of sustainability, community impact, and Zambian innovation.”
The partnership also plays a crucial role in promoting tourism to Zambia’s Northern Province. Proflight’s Johannesburg and Cape Town routes, connecting through Lusaka, now provide easier access to Kasama and the Northern Waterfall Circuit, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism reach even the most remote communities.
Kasama Coffee’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond job creation. The farm employs organic, regenerative farming techniques, incorporating indigenous trees to preserve biodiversity and utilizing artisanal roasting to minimize its carbon footprint. Even the coffee’s packaging is locally sourced and handmade, further supporting community livelihoods.
This collaboration serves as a blueprint for airlines across Southern Africa, demonstrating how they can integrate local, sustainable products into their supply chains. By investing in regional businesses, airlines can reduce their environmental impact and ensure that economic benefits remain within their countries of operation.
For passengers onboard Proflight Zambia, Kasama Coffee offers a taste of Zambia’s rich culture and a connection to the communities that produce it. “When people drink our coffee on board, I want them to feel connected to Zambia – to know that their purchase supports farmers, workers, and communities in one of the most remote parts of Africa,” Powell says.
Proflight Zambia’s initiative is more than just a service enhancement; it’s a model for responsible tourism, demonstrating how airlines can be a force for positive change, connecting travellers to destinations and the communities that define them. “This is the future of aviation and tourism,” Walubita concludes. “It’s important that local products are given the chance to thrive.”
